Sen. Kevin Ranker under investigation for allegations of sexual harassment

An Associated Press journalist reports that Washington state Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-Orcas Island, is being investigated by the state for improper conduct.

Current state employee Ann Larson made allegations of sexual harassment. According to the article published in The Seattle Times, Larson met Ranker while she was a clerk for the San Juan County Council and he was a councilman.

Larson said she had a consensual sexual relationship with Ranker, according to the report, but once she started to work in his Senate district office in 2009, she wanted only a professional one. After she rejected his advances, she said Ranker became hostile and she eventually left the position, according to the article.

The report states that Ranker will cooperate with the investigation, and he says he trusts he will be exonerated.

This is the first inquiry under the Legislature’s updated workplace policies adopted by the state last July, states the article. Check the Sounder for updates.